With the addition of Roanoke Shores, there are now nine active Neighborhood Watch programs in Halifax County, Major Bruce Temple of the sheriff’s office said Tuesday.

It was neighbors in the community who contacted the sheriff’s office, which gives them tips on crime prevention, how to crime-proof their neighborhoods and what to watch for, said Temple.

Keeping the program going is up to the community. “We’ve recently had an influx of property crimes and thefts,” Temple said. “When we go to talk we bring resources on preventing crime. They’re not a gathering of vigilantes. We insist on positive communication and increasing participation. We go over how to document and report. It’s all about trying to be concerned and not nosy.”

Temple likes helping neighborhoods begin Neighborhood Watch programs. “The people who go to these meetings are from various walks of life and interests and races. It’s great to see a mix of people with common goals.”

The program works, Temple said, explaining the report of a careless and reckless driver led to a DWI arrest. “We help to make them aware of things happening in their neighborhood. Some groups have scheduled patrols.”

One of the big things discussed in Neighborhood Watch meetings is crime prevention, Temple said. “The type of locks and lights. Knowing your surroundings is very important.”

Even if you’re not in a Neighborhood Watch community, Temple said it helps if people start training their eyes. “When you’re getting up to get a glass of water, look out the window every single time. Get into the practice where it’s second nature.”

Simple things such as keeping bushes properly trimmed change the landscape of your yard. “So you can do an effective scan,” Temple said.

Temple reviews use of force rules, which in North Carolina you can use lethal force to react to a situation which poses an imminent threat of danger to yourself or a third party.

The sheriff’s office encourages any neighborhood to establish a program. “The truth is it works in every program we partner with. Tillery, Scotland Neck and Roanoke Rapids have seen success.”

Temple said the sheriff’s office recommends alarm systems and motion lights. “Motion lights aid in prevention and apprehension,” he said. “Giving advice and teaching people to pay attention to their surroundings are two of the biggest keys.”

One of the things the Roanoke Shores community is doing is providing a list of homeowner phone numbers so they can be contacted if their home is broken into. “I didn’t anticipate that,” Temple said. “That came out of the group itself.”

For more information contact the sheriff’s office at 252-583-8201.